As an Austinite who came to DFW for college, I always expected to return to Austin eventually. Maybe I ultimately will, but on the other hand I can definitely feel the recovery here, and it feels good. I'm a web programmer looking for a way into the big time, and the opportunities that have presented themselves in Dallas recently have been very encouraging. As long as I have my pick in Ruby jobs, I think I'll stick around.

My family has certainly felt the recovery in the Dallas area. My husband is employed by the City of Dallas in the waterworks department, keeping that quality of life up for the citizens of Dallas. This job is the first one he's had where he sees a future and opportunities to advance. It's allowed our young family to continue to live the American dream.

The highest level in the US of medically uninsured, inferior over-crowded schools, and terrible highways and roads in a perpetual state of gridlock and construction. Yeah, Dallas Texas IS a whole 'nother country from what our Mayor says. Then there is the Texas legislature—a deeply bewildered body fleeing all rational action for self-interest and dogma.